The Women (1939)

Based on the Clare Booth Luce play of the same name, this MGM comedy is famous for its all-female cast and deft direction by George Cukor. The plot centers on a group of gossipy high-society women who spend their days at the beauty salon and haunting fashion shows. The sweet, happily wedded Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) finds her marriage in trouble when shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford) gets her hooks into Mary's man. Naturally, this situation becomes the hot talk amongst Mary's catty friends, especially the ...
Read More

Based on the Clare Booth Luce play of the same name, this MGM comedy is famous for its all-female cast and deft direction by George Cukor. The plot centers on a group of gossipy high-society women who spend their days at the beauty salon and haunting fashion shows. The sweet, happily wedded Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) finds her marriage in trouble when shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford) gets her hooks into Mary's man. Naturally, this situation becomes the hot talk amongst Mary's catty friends, especially the scandalmonger Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell), who has little room to talk -- she finds herself on a train to Reno and headed for divorce right after Mary. But with a bit of guts and daring, Mary snatches her man right back from Crystal's clutches. Snappy, witty dialogue, much of it courtesy of veteran screenwriter Anita Loos, helps send this film's humor over the top. So do the characterizations -- Crawford is as venomous as they come, and this was Russell's first chance to show what she could do as a comedienne. And don't discount Shearer -- her portrayal of good-girl Mary is never overpowered by these two far-flashier roles. The only part of The Women that misses is the fashion-show sequence. It was shot in color -- an innovative idea in its day -- but now both the concept and clothes are dreary and archaic. Do keep an eye on the supporting players, though, especially Mary Boland as the Countess DeLage. The role was based on a cafe society dame of that era, the Countess DiFrasso, who had a wild affair with Gary Cooper; that romance is satirized here. Janiss Garza, Rovi
Read Less

Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.

Seller's Description:

Good. All our items include the original disc(s) in the original case. If a disc you purchase from us does not play correctly, just let us know. Any digital codes that may be included are not guaranteed to work.

Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.

Seller's Description:

Good. Used-Good This item shows wear from consistent use but remains in readable condition. It may have marks on or in it, and may show other signs of previous use or shelf wear. Item may have minor creases or signs of wear on dust jacket. Item is packed with care, shipped promptly.

Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.

Seller's Description:

This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 bussiness days. For more great deals shop Shopgoodwill of Orange County!

Customer Reviews

Jungle Red!

What a wonderful movie. Sure it's dated, but Rosalind Russell steals every sceen she's in, Joan Crawford redefines scheming bitch and Paulette Goddard is a joy to watch. Norma Shearer was the queen of melodrama so she comes across as so over the top she's campy but the rest of the cast really pulls it together.

frankinmass

Aug 14, 2009

original best

Great movie. So much better than the lame remake. A classic. George Cukor and what a cast!

evelina

Jan 1, 2009

THE WOMEN

The movie was just as good as the NEW VERSION. The copy I received came in time forThanksgiving. We all sat and had a good time.I think there is more humor in the old one. The new one is more a social statement.